Chapter 5

‘Huh?’

This is the first time Mother and Father called me to the office first. I’m always the one who goes to them.

Serina blankly looked at her parents.

“Serina, we plan to bring Princess Helia here very soon.”

“Huh? Really? But the engagement ceremony hasn’t even happened yet?”

“These days, it’s common for people to live together before the engagement. Serina is a kind and smart child, so you can understand and get along well with her, right?”

Knowing how stubborn Serina could be even though she had been quiet lately, Aura gently tried to persuade her.

‘Already?’

Serina’s plan to meet Helia in society and drive her away as an evil villainess and terrible sister-in-law instantly collapsed.

A question mark appeared in Serina’s mind. But after thinking for a moment, the question mark quickly turned into an exclamation mark.

‘Wait! No. This actually means I can break the engagement even faster!’

If it happens sooner than expected, then that’s even better! More importantly, she had already prepared thoroughly until now.

Hiding her scheming thoughts, Serina smiled brightly.

“Of course! I’m kind, so I’m sure I can get along well with Princess Helia! I’m already looking forward to it! Then I’ll head back to my room now!”

Alright! The project to become an even greater villainess than the “Little Villainess” begins now!

Excited, Serina swayed happily as she left the office.

“…Serina seems happy? And she’s even speaking formally today unlike usual?”

“Maybe she matured a little already. Whew… I’m relieved I don’t need to scold her again like last time.”

Unlike the confused Aura, Nereus felt relieved.

In truth, even though he did not show it, he had secretly been anxious ever since scolding Serina over the library incident.

He was worried Serina might end up disliking him because of it.

Nobody would ever dare imagine it.

That the famous “Deep Sea” Nereus was actually a fool who became helpless before his family, especially his daughter.

It was a secret only the Eustine family knew.

* * *

<The Project to Become a Greater Villainess than the “Little Villainess”>

1. A villainess quietly separates her enemies in the beginning.

→ Stick tightly beside Brother so they never get time alone together!

2. A villainess makes others do the dirty work while pretending the bullying is harmless.

→ I can pretend it’s all for becoming closer friends.

3. When the final moment comes, a villainess stops caring about other people’s eyes and bullies directly.

→ I should use my amazing abilities.

Unlike others, I have two attributes: water and wind!

And I’m talented enough to use simple magic without chanting! (Though that’s a secret.)

“Perfect! As expected of me!”

All that hard studying was worth it!

Hehehe. Hurry up and come, Little Villainess.

I, the great actress and greatest villainess who will shake the world, will deal with you personally!

Smiling wickedly, Serina completed her new plan.

* * *

A few days later.

The long-awaited day finally arrived.

“I hope she comes quickly so we can have lots of fun together!”

Hiding behind the second-floor railing, Serina giggled quietly.

At that moment, noise rose outside the mansion, followed by the sound of a carriage stopping.

Serina carefully peeked her face out and looked down at the lobby.

The huge white arched front doors slowly opened with a heavy sound. A young girl walked in through them.

Even though she was still a child, she carried an elegant and mature atmosphere.

Golden hair reflected the light beautifully.

Sharp cat-like eyes with ruby-red pupils.

Pale skin like carved marble. Delicate and beautiful features.

It was Helia Impellis, the troublesome Imperial Princess known as the “Little Villainess.”

“Waaah……”

Until now, Serina had believed her mother, with silver hair and golden eyes, was the prettiest person in the world.

Serina stared with her mouth hanging open in admiration.

‘That person is really the Little Villainess?’

Just from her appearance, she looked more like a saint or an angel. Maybe you really couldn’t judge people by looks.

Serina tilted her head.

At that moment, her family welcomed the princess.

“Princess Helia, welcome to the Eustine estate.”

“Princess, it’s been a while. It seems Serina overslept… Please understand.”

“Lord Nereus, Lady Aura. It has been a long time. Thank you for welcoming me.”

Helia greeted them perfectly, as if she had stepped straight out of an etiquette book.

“Helia, welcome to the Eustine family. I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Hello, Lacus.”

Helia and Lacus greeted each other comfortably like old friends.

‘Brother, you’re already close enough with the princess to speak casually? Since when did you two become this close?’

Serina stared at them intensely.

At that moment, Helia noticed the gaze, lifted her head, and smiled beautifully like a doll at Serina.

‘Wow… she’s pretty.’

Ah! No, this isn’t the time for that—she caught me staring!

Startled, Serina quickly crouched down.

‘No, that’s definitely acting!’

I absolutely can’t fall for it! She’s pretending to look harmless so people lower their guard.

As expected, she’s not an easy opponent. She might even be harder to deal with than the villainesses from the novels.

Serina shook her head strongly.

‘Now that I’ve confirmed the enemy, should I start the operation?’

Since they already seem closer than expected, I need to stick to Brother even more tightly.

Serina quickly rushed downstairs to claim Lacus first.

“Brother!”

“Serina! You’re awake? Princess Helia has arrived. Come on, say hello.”

Pretending to be shy, Serina hid behind Lacus. Then she carefully peeked her face out.

“Hello… My name is Serina Eustine.”

“Haha. You normally aren’t shy, but today you suddenly are. Maybe it’s because Helia is so pretty.”

Lacus joked to lighten the atmosphere.

‘Wait, what? Brother, are you flirting with the princess right in front of me?’

Serina stared at Lacus in disbelief before secretly pinching his side.

“Serina, what’s wrong?”

“Brother, remember you promised to play with me today, right?”

“Ah, did I? Helia, do you want to play together too?”

‘Huh? Why are you deciding on your own without even asking me? What’s wrong with you today?’

Serina secretly glared at Lacus with a displeased expression.

“Miss Serina, may I play together with you too?”

Helia approached Serina, lowered herself to her eye level, and carefully asked.

It looked very similar to how Lacus approached Serina whenever she was sulking.

‘Ugh……’

This makes it hard to refuse. But if I don’t refuse, the operation I worked so hard on will collapse!

But… why do I feel painful stares from somewhere?

When Serina looked beside her, her parents were sending sparkling pleading looks toward her. Even the servants were doing the same.

‘They’re going this far…?’

Feeling heavily pressured, Serina reluctantly decided to allow it.

She lowered her head deeply and nodded.

* * *

‘Somehow, I ended up letting the princess into my room.’

I don’t like letting the princess into my personal space filled with all my favorite things! But if I want to carry out the operation, I have to endure at least this much.

Watching the quiet Serina, Lacus asked,

“Serina, what should we play?”

‘Hmm… Since I need to carry out the operation, what game can I use to separate Helia while still including her?’

Ah! Playing house!

Depending on the roles, I can create distance or secretly make things difficult for her!

Satisfied after thinking of the perfect plan, Serina smiled proudly.

‘But what role should I give her?’

Serina looked back and forth between Lacus and Helia before scanning the room.

A dog plushie sitting beside Tosoon caught her attention.

‘A dog?’

That’s it! With this, I can separate her from Brother and secretly bully her too!

After finishing her imagination, Serina excitedly stomped her feet.

“Let’s play house!”

“Sure. Helia, are you okay with playing house too?”

“Yes. I’m fine with anything.”

Now that she had Helia’s agreement, Serina became excited at the thought of finally carrying out her operation.

She grinned mischievously.

‘No matter what, I absolutely have to choose the roles myself!’

Serina quickly raised her hand high.

“Can I decide everyone’s roles?”

After confirming Helia nodded, Lacus gently patted Serina’s round head and agreed.

“Then… as usual, Serina will be the mother, and Brother will be the baby! Umm, Princess Helia will be……”

Serina pretended to think deeply.

“A dog! Princess Helia, how about being the dog?”

“Huh? A dog? You’re giving Helia the role of a puppy?”

Thinking he had misheard, Lacus asked Serina again in confusion.

“I’ve always wanted to raise a dog this biiig since I was little!”

‘Actually, I prefer small puppies.’

Serina stretched both arms wide and laughed innocently.

Lacus looked troubled. Then he carefully tried persuading Serina.

“Serina. Even so, Helia is still a princess, so making her play the dog seems a bit wrong. You just need a dog, right? Then Brother will be the dog. Let’s give Helia the baby role instead. How about that?”

“Tch, you said I could choose the roles… If you’re going to do this, then there’s no point.”

Serina puffed her cheeks and stuck out her lips. Helia, who had been quietly watching her, suddenly stepped forward.

“Lacus, I really don’t mind being the dog. It actually sounds fun. Miss Serina, I’ll do it.”

“Really? Thank you so much, Princess!”

Afraid Helia might change her mind, Serina hurriedly thanked her.

“Helia, are you really okay with it?”

“Of course.”

Lacus checked Helia’s opinion one more time.

‘Huh? What’s this? The princess is helping me?’

I don’t like how she acts kind, but that doesn’t matter right now! The operation is more important. I want to start playing house already.

Serina’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

‘Ah, right. Then I also need to lead the game.’

That way, she could guide things exactly how she wanted!

Before anyone could interrupt, Serina quickly cleared her throat.

“Then from now on, the very first house-playing game with the three of us officially begins! Just follow my lead!”

Serina energetically announced the start of the game.